Together at the Lodge- East Cork Mental Health Festival September 29th 2024

 

Hi all,

 

I hope you are well and enjoying the sunshine. Please find attached an invite to attend the next Together at the Lodge, East Cork Mental Health Festival on Sunday the 29^th of September from 12pm-4pm.

This is an opportunity to attend the event with an information stand, promoting the services your organisation or group has on offer which aim to benefit people’s mental health and wellbeing. If you are not in a position to attend with an information stand then we would appreciate it if you could help us circulate information on the event and encourage your group members to attend on the day.

 

Kind regards,

 

Nicola Lucey

Community Worker

Cork North Community Work Department | Cork Kerry Community Healthcare | Health Service Executive | St Marys Rd,  Old Library Building, Cork City. Eircode T23TX21

T: 353 (0)21 4928389 M: 353 (086) 4668484

              

                                        

Together at the Lodge

EAST CORK MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING

COMMUNITY GREEN RIBBON EVENT

29 th of September 2024

12PM-4PM

Dear Local Service,

I hope this letter finds you well, I’m writing to invite you and your organisation to have a service

stall at “Together at the Lodge 2024”, East Cork Mental Health and Wellness Day. Together at

the Lodge will be held on Sunday, September 29 th from 12pm-4pm at the Lodge Grounds (Cork

County Council Offices), The Youghal Road Midleton, Co. Cork, P25 TF98. This is a great

opportunity to promote your service and meet the general public and other service providers.

Following the success of last year’s event, which saw more than 1000 people in attendance, we

plan to build on the delivery of the key messages of hope and recovery. The feedback last year

indicated that those in attendance really valued the opportunity to engage with the diverse

services and in the mental health and wellbeing activities which led to a very happy and positive

atmosphere.

Together at the Lodge is a collaboration between HSE Mental Health (suicide prevention office),

Cork Kerry Community Healthcare, Cork County Council, Healthy Ireland, HSE Cork North

Community Work Department, Midleton and Area Chamber of Commerce, Midleton & East Cork

Social Prescribing and other services within the community. We are encouraging all local services

to promote the concept of mental health and wellbeing and highlight the varied cradle to grave

services and supports offered in the community. We know in the East Cork area that there are a

wide variety of wonderful services available and this event is a great opportunity to showcase

what’s on offer.

On the day we envisage a wide diverse programme of entertainment, alongside recreational

activities, workshops and information spaces provided through the community groups and

organisations attending the event. This event will balance that sense of fun with connection and

understanding, whilst raising awareness of mental health and wellbeing.

The timing of this event will link with other National and local mental health /wellbeing projects

and campaigns being rolled out over the months of September and October 2024.

Please note to bring you own tables on the day, and gazeboes (if possible as the event is fully

outdoors) and promotional materials are essential to help communicate your services to the

public. Together at the Lodge, East Corks Mental Health and Wellness Day will be a celebration,

whilst also highlighting the importance of minding our mental health and wellbeing through

bringing the community together.

Please confirm your organisations attendance by RSVP no later than Wednesday the 10 th of

September 2024.

Kind regards,

Nicola Lucey

Nicola.Lucey2@hse.ie

City Centre Pavement Restoration Scheme 2024

 

Under Construction

Updated 25th July 2024

As part of the ongoing City Centre Pavement Restoration Scheme, works are continuing on St. Patrick’s Street and Daunt Square.  The Scheme is focused on the restoration of pavements and street furniture on St. Patrick’s Street, Grand Parade and Daunt Square.  Cork City Council have appointed contractors McGinty & O’Shea Ltd. to carry out the works during the summer months.

Traffic diversions are in place and North Main Street Car Park is still accessible via the city quays.  St. Patrick’s Street is closed to northbound traffic and there is no motorist access through Daunt’s Square until early next month.

The restoration project, which will cover St Patrick’s Street, Daunt Square and Grand Parade, aims to:

 

• Restore the natural stone slabs at pedestrian crossings and other locations to improve the comfort and safety of pedestrians, cyclists and other users; 
• Ensure the attractiveness of the city centre for residents and visitors alike
• Restore damaged street furniture, lining, signage and other features to assist all users of these city centre streets.

 

The works will include the replacement of pedestrian crossings with new granite paving, replacement of damaged utility covers and frames on the roadway and footpaths; replacement of damaged street furniture including bollards, bike stands, tree surrounds, signs and poles, raised seating; replacement of road surfacing and line markings, where required.

Works on the Grand Parade section of the scheme are due to begin on 12th August. Grand Parade will be closed to north- and westbound traffic from August 12 to mid-September with diversions in place. 

It’s expected that all works will be completed by mid-September 2024.

 

Traffic diversions:

To facilitate these works, some temporary traffic restrictions will be required:

St. Patrick’s Street will be closed northbound from 1st July to 12th August 2024 with diversion via Grand Parade, South Mall, Parnell Place and Merchants Quay;

Daunt's Square will be closed from Monday 8 July for approximately 3 weeks.  There will be no through access at Daunt's Square from Monday 8 July until 2 August.  Access to St. Augustine Street will be from St. Patrick's Street southbound only.  St. Peter and & St. Paul's Avenue will be temporarily accessible from Castle Street between Monday 8 July and Friday 19 July but access from Daunt's Square will be returned to normal from Monday 22 July.  Cornmarket Street will not be accessible from Daunt's Square but accessible from Castle Street as normal.

Please note that North Main Street Car Park remains open as normal and is accessible via the city quays.

Grand Parade will be closed to north- and westbound traffic from mid-August to mid-September 2024 with diversions via South Mall, Parnell Place and city quays.   Diversions will also be in place via Sullivan’s Quay, Proby’s Quay, Sharman Crawford Steet onto Washington Street.

For regular updates on the works and traffic diversions, see www.corkcity.ie and Cork City Council’s social media channels on Facebook, Twitter/X and Instagram.

Bus Stops

(Image: Bus Éireann)

For the duration of the works, bus stops on Grand Parade, Daunt Square and St. Patrick's Street will be closed as the bus routes will be diverted.

More information can be found on the bus routes and alternative bus stops on Bus Éireann's website here.

Road, Water and Fire Safety Highlighted for ‘Amber Thursday’

 

Cork County Council is appealing to people to stay safe over the August Bank Holiday weekend as it marks ‘Amber Thursday’ for 2024. The campaign is a collaboration between safety bodies and local authorities to help promote road, water and fire safety over the busy August bank holiday weekend.  

Bank holiday weekends can also be a particularly busy time for firefighters who are called to various incidents including barbeque or domestic fires and road traffic collisions.  Cork County Fire Service is encouraging members of the public to follow simple safety tips throughout the year. They are asking everyone to remember to test your smoke alarm, check the expiry date, replace smoke alarms every 10 Years and have at least 2 working smoke alarms in your house.  

During the months of June and July, Cork County Council’s Beach Lifeguards were called upon to rescue 4 people and assisted 7 people in the water who needed help. The teams gave advice to members of the public on 4,927 occasions and administered first aid on 89 occasions. 

The Lifeguards’ advice is that holding hands with children saves lives. This season the lifeguards have reunited 15 children with their parents on County Cork beaches so this advice is key for all those supervising children near water.  Swimmers are reminded to swim within their depth, not to use inflatable toys on open water and always swim at a lifeguarded beach. Rip currents are a hazard at some beaches so always look out for signage and safety information notice boards. Swimming inland in lakes and rivers is also proven to be particularly high risk in terms of water safety so please know your ability before you go in.    

Amber Thursday is supported by Local Authorities, the Chief Fire Officers Association, Road Safety Authority, Water Safety Ireland and Local Authority Road Safety Officers.  Further information can be found at www.amberthursday.ie

Cork County Council Unveils Accessible Pool Chair at Dunmanway Swimming Pool

 

A new accessible chair has been added at West Cork Leisure Centre – Dunmanway.  Purchased by Cork County Council, the chair will provide easier access to the hydrotherapy pool for users with additional needs.

The cradle chair has been specially designed to safely transfer users from the changing rooms to the hydrotherapy pool.  The floor in the hydrotherapy pool can be raised allowing the chair to be wheeled directly into it before the floor is lowered again.  The hydrotherapy pool is a 7.5m warm water pool.  It is the only one in West Cork and is ideal for physiotherapy, recuperation or simply relaxation.

The chair’s stainless-steel frame has a powder coated finish, which allows it to be fully submerged in the water. The seat’s mesh fabric has an antimicrobial coating to restrict the bacteria. The cradle also features tension adjustable mesh to relieve pressure or increase support, suiting the user’s preference.  The pool facilities include two fully equipped accessible changing rooms (pre booking essential).

The other facilities at West Cork Leisure Centre – Dunmanway include a 25m swimming pool a children’s pool, sauna and steam room and a spacious gymnasium with a wide range of cardio and strength machines. 

North Cork Mental Health and Wellbeing Community Event - Together at the Castle

 

 

 

We would like to invite you, as a valued local service in the North Cork area to the 2024 Together at the Castle mental health promotion event, which takes place on September 8 th from 1pm-5pm, at Mallow  Castle.

This annual family event is a collaboration between HSE Mental Health Services, Healthy Ireland, Mallow Chamber of Commerce, Cork County Council, Avondhu Blackwater, ETB Mallow and services within the community.

We are encouraging all local services to promote the concept of mental health and wellbeing, plus the services and supports offered in the community. We know that we have a wide variety of wonderful services in the North Cork area and over the last three years it has been very powerful to promote the local services in an atmosphere of family fun.

We envisage a diverse programme of entertainment; alongside recreational activities, workshops and information spaces provided through the community groups and organisations attending the event. This event will balance that sense of fun with connection and understanding whilst raising awareness formental health and wellbeing.

Please remember to bring your own tables on the day and a gazebo if possible and promotional materials are essential to help communicate your services to the public.

Your RSVP would be most appreciated, and we look forward to seeing you there. 

Please note that there will be an official photographer at the event.

Kind regards,

Martin Ryan

Upcoming festivals and events in Cork City

 

Saturday July 20 Teddy Bear’s Picnic and Play Olympicsat Bell’s Field

Bring your furry friends and picnic basket to celebrate National Play Day at the iconic Bell’s Field off St Patrick’s Hill. This is a free event – supported by Cork City Council - with face painting, hair braiding and healthy snacks from Cork Healthy Cities and the Metropole Hotel. Takes place from 12 noon to 1pm.

As part of the Play Olympics, you can try your hand at cross county skiing, rula hoop hopscotch, the postmodern pentathalon and the epic summer snowball fight. Takes place from 1-3pm, also at Bell’s Field.

Sunday July 21 Joy In The Park

Joy in the Park returns to Fitzgerald’s Park for its third year this Sunday promising another jam-packed programme of music, entertainment, wellbeing and joy.

Aslan, Paddy Casey, Saoirse Casey, Ger Wolfe, The Service, Myles Gaffney, Fiona Kennedy and Molly O’Mahony are amongst the many super acts performing at this free event.

In partnership with Cork Mental Health Foundation, Joy In The Park is a celebration of life, whilst highlighting the importance of minding our mental health and well-being through bringing the community together and finding our Joy.

This year’s event includes a quirky and eclectic mix of live music, spoken word, storytelling, family entertainment, circus, workshops, wellness activities alongside a delicious food market.

Check out: https://www.joyinthpark.com

Saturday August 17 Cork Heritage Open Day

Organised by Cork City Council, for one day only, over 35 of Cork’s landmark buildings opened their doors to the public and 60 events took place all celebrating Cork's wonderful built heritage. Check out www.corkcity.ie/cork-heritage-open-day

Wednesday August 14- Sunday August 18: Cork on a Fork festival

Get a taste of our food culture as the city showcases its culinary excellence and quality produce. There are a wide variety of events planed , with more added each week, including family events and free events. 

Check out: www.corkonaforkfest.ie

Ongoing- September: Playful Culture Trail

Families can pick up a kid friendly map from participating attractions including Nano Nagle Place, the Crawford Art Gallery, the Butter Museum and many more! While visiting the attractions, keep an eye out for Bláithin the Lizard, the Playful Culture Trail’s mascot who will be hiding at each attraction and collect your stamps on the playful trail map!

Check out: www.playfulculturetrail.com

 

Upcoming short course programme for Autumn 2024

 

Dear Colleagues,

 

Please find a range of courses for Cork area being organised for Autumn 2024 on our Community Education for Health & Wellbeing short courses (20 hour) programme. An application form is also attached.  The courses are at No Charge and are supported through Cork ETB and SHEP with tutor hours. There are on-line and one in-person options.  Please pass on the information to people you think might benefit from the opportunity and who might be interested to know of them or to apply. Details of courses also available on the SHEP Website at https://www.socialandhealth.com/short-courses-in-the-community/.

 

With thanks and best wishes

Geraldine Flanagan and Liam McCarthy

 

Geraldine Flanagan

Training and Development Officer

 

E: geraldine.flanagan@socialandhealth.com

W: www.socialandhealth.com

F: https://www.facebook.com/SHEP/

P: 021-4666180

Social and Health Education Project- SHEP

The Old Primary School

Ardfoyle Avenue.

Ballintemple,

Co. Cork.

T12 XDH2

‘Living but a Day: Dear Readers’ Exhibition at LHQ Gallery

 

Living but a Day: Dear Readers by Cork artist and PhD researcher Chloe Austin (she/her) is an exhibition about LGBT+ and feminist archival material. The exhibition features artefacts from the archives telling stories of cross border collaborations between feminist groups and opens at Cork County Council’s LHQ Gallery on the 31st of July to coincide with Cork LGBT+ Pride festival.

The exhibition draws from archival collections at HERe NI, LGBTQIA+ NI Heritage Project in Belfast, and the Cork LGBT Archive. It highlights various artefacts, specifically a cross-border initiative between Women’s News Magazine (Belfast) and Women’s Space Newsletter (Cork).  In 1987, the Women’s News Collective in Belfast and the Women’s Place at Quay Co-op in Cork participated in an exchange approved by ‘Co-operation North’, sharing resources and skills. As noted in the first issue of Women’s Space Newsletter (1988), the Belfast collective taught Cork women to create a newsletter, while the Cork collective guided Belfast in establishing their own library. 

Such marginalised narratives have been revived and interpreted in an ongoing project with community input led by Chloe, working with groups to produce the works for this exhibition. This included various workshops over the past year with MTU Crawford students as well as at an exhibition at PS2 Gallery, Belfast. The subtitle Dear Readers and the poster image are taken from a zine page created by MTU student Christina Hall.  

The exhibition will be opened at LHQ Gallery at 6:00pm on the 31st of July and will continue until the 9th of August. LHQ Gallery, Cork County Library, Carrigrohane Road, Cork opens Monday to Friday from 9am – 5.30pm (closed bank holidays).

20th Edition of From the Well Short Story Anthology Launched at Bantry Library

 

Cork County Council’s Library and Arts Service annual short story anthology “From the Well” brings the reader on a journey around Ireland; from rural farms and seaside villages to city streets. The numerous tales, voices, and characters each capture a moment in time from the past to present day.

This year’s edition titled “Losing David” was recently launched at Bantry Library and marks the twentieth year of the anthology.

Writer and Programmer, Sasha de Buyl selected nineteen stories to feature this year. The winner of the competition, Kate Lawlor, whose story gave the anthology its title, and two of the shortlisted writers, Lauren O'Donovan and Siobhan Dempsey, read their stories at the launch event. 

Other writers selected include Philip Arneill, Sylvia Caldwell, Ciara Cassoni, Emma Flynn, Janet Heeran, Jason Kennealy, Thomas Kiernan, Kathleen Macadam, Aoibheann McCann, Jess Mc Kinney, Trisha McKinney, M Jaye Sheehan, Beth Storey, Peter Tobin, Aisling Walsh, and Mary Walsh Foley.

Over the past twenty years hundreds of writers from County Cork and beyond have had the opportunity to have their work published by the Council’s Library and Arts Service and read by many. There was considerable interest in the anthology by writers this year, demonstrating the positive impact this anthology has made over the past two decades.

The book can be borrowed from all Cork County Library branches or purchased from Bantry Bookshop.

66 Villages Participate in Cork County Council’s Annual Anti-Litter Challenge Competition

 

This year, sixty-six villages entered Cork County Council’s annual Anti-Litter Challenge, showcasing the unwavering commitment and community spirit of voluntary groups across the county.  Twenty-four finalists were presented with certificates this week to commend their work in curbing litter in their villages.

In the Large Villages category, Kildorrery (North), Saleen (South) and Durrus (West) once again claimed the top spot in their respective divisions for the second consecutive year.

The Small Villages competition saw a remarkable achievement with four villages in the Western Division – Ardfield, Ardgroom, Drinagh and Kilmacsimon Quay – maintaining an entirely litter free status during the six-week judging period, a remarkable achievement for the dedicated volunteers involved. First place honours for the Northern and Southern Divisions were awarded to Coolagown and Ballinhassig respectively.

The Anti-Litter Challenge is testament to the great work undertaken by volunteers right across the county who spend long hours sweeping, cleaning and gathering litter from footpaths and roadsides. Cork County Council would like to thank each of the villages who entered in 2024 and acknowledge the work of the countless volunteers who take such pride in their community. The overall winners of both town and villages categories will be announced at the final awards ceremony in September.

Community Group Climate Action Survey

 

A survey that the PPN have been asked to circulate by Environment, Cork County Council.

 

 

To: Community Group, Cork County

 

Dear Sir / Madam,

We recently contacted you as a community group to ask you for your feedback and ideas through the Community Group Climate Action Survey.

 

The closing date for this survey has now been extended until Monday 29th July.

 

As it is a broad and far-reaching issue, we welcome input from all community groups, including those not currently involved in climate action.

 

Cork County Council has a five-year Climate Action Plan, not only to reduce its own carbon emissions but it also has a role in influencing communities to undertake climate action. 

We would appreciate if you would take the time to give us some information which we intend to use in two ways:

1.           To learn what the needs of communities are (in relation to climate action) which will be used to inform our delivery programme in the Council.

2.           To develop a database of community groups involved in Climate Action in the County which will be available online.

 

The survey can be completed until Monday 29^th July by clicking here or by visiting https://www.yourcouncil.ie/service/Climate_Action_Survey_of_Community_Groups_in_Cork_County_Area

 

If you would like us to post you a hard copy of the questionnaire, please contact us on energy@corkcoco.ie and we will be happy to send it out to you. 

We look forward to hearing from you.

 

 

 

www.corkcoco.ie

Tickets sell out for Rebels Fanzone

 

Due to phenomenal interest, all tickets to the Rebels Fanzone at Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Sunday have been allocated. Up to15,000 tickets were made available for the Rebels’ Fanzone at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh next Sunday.

All tickets were snapped up within 45 minutes of going online. Cork GAA and Cork City Council are appealing to those who have secured these free tickets to use them, and ensure the best possible atmosphere at the stadium.

People will be able to cancel their tickets via their Eventmaster account, should they decide not to attend.  Those tickets could then be made available to others closer to the time.

The family-friendly event will show the clash between Cork and Clare on a big screen, with the Rebels hoping to return Liam McCarthy to Leeside for the first time since 2005.

Patrons will be accommodated both on the field, and in the North Stand depending on their ticket.

Patrons should note that;

• Doors open at 2pm, and only valid ticket holders will be admitted
• TV coverage will be shown from 2,15pm
• All u16s need to be accompanied by an adult
• There is to be no consumption of alcoholic beverages at the Fanzone event
• Patrons are to obey stewards and Gardai at all times
• Pedestrian access to the stadium is via Centre Park Road
• Use public transport and city centre car parks
• No parking is provided in the vicinity of the stadium
• Please respect our neighbours around the stadium and do not park illegally
• Dress for the weather, no umbrellas or hurleys allowed in the Fanzone

The match will be shown on a massive 9 metre by 5.8 metre LED wall, located at the city end of the stadium.

 Cork’s RedFM will be on hand to help build up the atmosphere ahead of the game, and there will be multiple food and drink concessions available on site.

New Affordable Housing Scheme Launched in Grange, Cork City

 

Cork City Council, in partnership with Citidwell Developments Ltd, is about to launch the first affordable housing scheme in the south east of the city at Seaberry Drive, Meadow Brome, Grange.

This launch follows successful earlier affordable housing schemes  at Newton Heights, Boherboy Road, Cluain Chaoin, Tower, Crann Darach, Montenotte, Ardrostig, Bishopstown, Heathfield, Ballincollig and most recently, at Danesfort, Whites Cross.

This scheme brings the number of new, affordable homes made available through Cork City Council’s Affordable Housing Scheme to over 300 houses, enabling buyers to access quality, affordable, sustainable homes in highly sought-after locations across Cork City. The development consists of 16 affordable homes, including 10 three-bedroom end of terrace houses and 6 three-bedroom mid terrace, A2 rated, spacious homes 

Welcoming the launch of the scheme, the Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. Dan Boyle said: “As a local authority, we are committed to meeting our objective of delivering high quality affordable homes for the people of Cork. This new scheme, the seventh scheme to launch under the council's Affordable Housing initiative, demonstrates the work that Cork City Council is doing to achieve the targets set by government.  I want to thank both Citidwell Developments Ltd. and Cork City Council for their work in delivering this project”.

Brian Geaney, Deputy Chief Executive, Cork City Council, said: “The launch of a seventh affordable housing scheme at Seaberry Drive, Meadow Brome in Grange shows Cork City Council's commitment to developing  an extensive affordable housing programme. The 16 affordable townhouses, one element of the larger residential development, will provide a further supply of high-quality homes for eligible applicants in Cork and assist in meeting housing targets, set out in the Government’s National Housing Plan, ‘Housing for All’.

It is envisaged there will be significant interest in this scheme which is located in  a sought-after suburb with good public transport connections and proximity to many amenities and services. These  homes will be  available for sale via Cork City Council’s ‘Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme’,

The homes are for sale from approximately 20% below open market values to those who qualify for the Affordable Housing Scheme. For eligible applicants, the mid terrace three-bedroom homes will be available from €313,500 and end of terrace three-bedroom homes from €321,000.

The Seaberry Drive Affordable Housing Scheme homes are generally available for first-time buyers who do not already own a property, although exceptions will apply for ‘Fresh Start’ applicants.

Income limits apply and potential applicants are advised to familiarise themselves with the qualification criteria and the documentation required, details of which are available on www.seaberrydrivegrange.ie

Under the terms of the scheme, purchasers will enter an ‘Affordable Dwelling Purchase Agreement’ with the local authority, which will see the council retaining a percentage equity share in the house equal to the difference between its open market value and the price paid by the purchaser.

Applications may be made between 12 noon on Tuesday, 30th July, 2024 and 12 midnight on Tuesday, 20th August 2024 via an online application portal, available on www.seaberrydrivegrange.ie

Applicants are strongly encouraged to familiarise themselves with the documentation required to apply for the Scheme, as interest is expected to significantly outweigh the number of houses available for purchase.

Cork County Council Officially Opens Road Infrastructure to Support 2,500 Homes at Water-Rock Urban Expansion Area in Midleton

 

Cork County Council Officially Opens Road Infrastructure to Support 2,500 Homes at Water-Rock Urban Expansion Area in Midleton

The Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Joe Carroll and the Tánaiste, Micheál Martin TD have officially opened a €11.7 million critical infrastructure development at Water-Rock near Midleton that will eventually support 2,500 homes, three schools, a neighbourhood centre, a railway station and parks.

The works funded by the Government’s Local Infrastructure Housing Activation Fund (LIHAF) and Cork County Council include 1.7km of link roads, surface water drainage, services, public lighting and landscaping. Cork County Council acquired approximately 30 acres of land to facilitate the development.

The road is an important part of the Water-Rock Urban Expansion Area. Planning permission has already been granted for 1,400 residential units and construction of housing along the road has commenced. The design and planning of the infrastructure was completed by AtkinsRéalis with the works constructed by BAM Civil Ltd.

Cork County Council has purchased approximately 18 acres of land within the Water-Rock Urban Expansion Area to develop three public parks in tandem with the proposed housing.  The local authority is working to progress the Water-Rock Linear Park located along the Owenacurra River to the east of the site. 
In parallel, the Council is working with the support of government funding to construct the Midleton to Youghal Greenway and complete the interurban cycleway connectivity from Cork to Midleton.

Tánaiste, Micheál Martin added, “Sustainable housing delivery and infrastructure development is a priority for this government. The Water-Rock project is a fine example of an integrated planning approach. Cork County Council has worked together with key state agencies - including Uisce Éireann, Irish Rail, Transport Infrastructure Ireland and the Office of Public Works - to drive the delivery of vital infrastructure, which will support the development of thousands of much needed homes in the Midleton area."

Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Moira Murrell said, "Water-Rock is one of five Urban Expansion Areas in County Cork. These areas, which include Shannonpark in Carrigaline, Carrigtwohill North, Ballynoe in Cobh and Monard Strategic Development Zone (SDZ), have been identified as the best locations for the development of new communities in Metropolitan Cork. The key to delivering housing in these areas is by providing the necessary roads and water infrastructure to open the lands and facilitate their development. The future strength of the County Cork economy depends on projects like this that provide certainty to first-time buyers, to employers and investors in this region."

The Water-Rock LIHAF initiative won the award for Best Innovation in Urban Planning at the 2023 LAMA Awards.